Sleep, Cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis examines how sleep problems, such as poor sleep quality, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia, increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cognitive impairment. The analysis of 27 studies involving 69,216 participants found a 68% higher risk for cognitive decline or AD in those with sleep issues. Notably, OSA doubled the risk. Poor sleep may disrupt brain processes like amyloid clearance, exacerbating AD pathology. The findings emphasize the importance of sleep health in preventing cognitive decline and reducing AD risk, with about 15% of AD cases potentially attributable to sleep disturbances.

To reduce the risk of cognitive decline, prioritize improving sleep through consistent routines, managing conditions like OSA, and practicing good sleep hygiene. Given this study's robust findings from observational data, these steps are broadly applicable for brain health. Clinical trials are needed to confirm causality and refine specific interventions for reducing Alzheimer’s risk.